25 gifts under $25 No. 20: Brooklyn Republic Vodka

Brooklyn branded booze is all the rave lately and everyone has someone on their gift list that appreciates presents of the inebriating variety. From gin to rye to wine to rum, bitters, beer, and bourbon, you could probably cover your whole gift-worthy circle with cheer in a bottle. Brooklyn as a brand symbolic of “the good life” started with Brooklyn Brewery back in the 70s, but Absolut was the first to stamp Brooklyn on vodka. But that crap tasted like Spike Lee’s secret bathtub moonshine formula and was probably distilled in the vodka equivalent of a sweatshop. Brooklyn Republic Vodka is the true vodka of our borough. Distilled with New York wheat, the formula is blended and purified in small batches with Brooklyn tap water in the company’s plant near the Navy Yard. We don’t know much about vodka tasting (except that it mixes great with, well, anything), but the New York Times describes it as having a “clean aroma, bright flavor and smooth finish.” $24.99 (and under) available and liquor stores throughout Brooklyn.